Ryan McHugh still going strong for Donegal
Donegal's Ryan McHugh in All-Ireland SFC Semi-Final action against Meath. Photo by Ray McManus/Sportsfile
"I’m loving it," Ryan McHugh says when asked about enjoying the 2025 campaign.
Donegal are getting ready for an eagerly anticipated All-Ireland SFC Final against Kerry at Croke Park on Sunday.
The Kilcar clubman, though, simply relishes being involved at the highest level. "It’s great," McHugh adds. "The new rules have really helped football. I love watching football and the games this year have been top.
"There have been a lot of top quality teams just going at it. From a player’s point of view, I’ve loved every minute of it. It’s been a lot of games and the season has been hectic.
"It is really tiring on the body, but it’s been great. The management have kept us fit for the matches and we’ve been able to go at it. We’re reaping the rewards now."
Did the year off from inter-county duty assist McHugh and did he need it? "When I do retire, whenever that is, and look back I probably did at the time," McHugh replies.
"I didn’t want to make the decision to step away from the Donegal squad, but unfortunately with different things I did.
"Coming back in last year, or at the end of 2023, really refreshed and ready to go. We had Jim coming back too which gave everything a huge, massive lift too. I’m happy with where I’m at as a player and happy where I’m at as a group."
Another player has made a significant return in 2025. Michael Murphy class endures. "It hasn’t surprised me," McHugh remarks.
Paul Murphy, Kerry, and Ryan McHugh, Donegal, in action in the 2014 All-Ireland SFC Final at Croke Park. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
"There isn’t a lot more that you can say about Michael. He is a phenomenal footballer, but it’s the way he lives his life outside of football. He lives like a professional person and the way he conducts himself, he’s a real role model and an unbelievable ambassador for our county.
"For him to come back in the shape he was in didn’t surprise me. I knew he would keep himself in good shape and we saw him in the club championship.
"There are no words. People from all over Ireland are starting to get it now. He’s a phenomenal person and a phenomenal leader and a phenomenal footballer."
Being back in an All-Ireland Final matters deeply to Donegal. McHugh doesn't take these days for granted. "I suppose, when I was fortunate enough in 2014 being in the team and getting to the All-Ireland final that day, I thought those days would be around all the time," he reflects.
"With the team winning in 2012 and getting to finals and semi-finals, you thought that you’d get a chance to get back to another one. That didn’t happen, but to get back here 11 years later is great.
"It’ll mean nothing if we can’t get over the line. Kerry are a top, top team with top, top players and arguably, in my opinion anyway, the best player to play the game.
"It will be massive, but we’re relishing it. This is where you want to be as a player: Getting ready for an All-Ireland final.
"I’ve been fortunate enough to be in one before in 2014 and now we have another opportunity."
A chance to shine on the great stage.
